Brake equalizer



N. E. wAHLBl-:RG

BRAKE EQUALIZER FiledJuly 5, 1924- 2 Sheets-Sheet l @ggf/Lez@ i Jan. I4, 1930. N. E. WAHLBERG BRAKE EQUALIZER Filed July 5, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Ptented Jan. 14,193o 1,743,642

UNITED STATES' PATENT- OFFICE NII'.s ERIK' WAHLBERG, OE xENosHA, WISCONSIN, AsSIGNoR. To NASH- MOTORS com PANY, or KENOSIIA, WISCONSIN, A CORPORATION or MARYLAND BRAKE EQUALIZER Application sled July 5, 1924. serial No. 724,220. i

This invention relates to brake equalizers The equalizing bar 24 has movable connecfor vehicles, and more particularly to equaltion with a pair of lever arms 29 and 30 eX- izers for automobile vehicles in which both tending rearwardly from shafts 31 and 32. front and rear. wheels are provided with Said movable connection between the equal- 5 brakes operated by a single member, such as izing bar and the levers 29 and 30 preferably 55 a foot pedal. consists of ball and socket connections in The principal Object ofJthe invention is to which balls'29a and 30all engage respectively, provide a simple and dependable equalizing in sockets 29b and 30b formed in the ends of mechanism for vehicles of the class described the respective levers 29 and 30. in which the braking pressures upon the four The shafts 31 and 32 are adapted normally 60 wheels may be equalized. Other objects of to be mainta'inedlin substantially axial aligninvention will appear from time to time as ment but the ends of said shafts are movably the description proceeds., connected by suitable means, so that during The invention may best be understood by Operation ofthe mechanism a ce1/tain amount reference to the accompanying drawings, in of relative movement is permitted between '65 which said shafts, as will. hereinafter appear.- The Fig. 1 is a side view of a brake equalizing movable connection herein comprises a4 ball system constructed in accordance with my in- 35 on the endof shaft 32, which engages in vention, and showing its application to an coacting socket 36 in the end of shaft 31 (seeautomobile. Fig.'4) The shaft 31 extends to one side of 70 Fig. 2 is an enlarged transverse sectional the chassis frame where1 it is provided with a View of the machine frame' with parts pair of lever arls 37, 37 while the other shaft omitted. 32 extends to the other side of the frame and Fig. 3 is an enlarged side view of a fragis provided with a similar pair of lever arms mentary portion of the machine frame, with' 38, 3,8. The front and rear brakes are opera- 475 parts broken away to show part of the lever tively connected to these lever arms, each of connections. the front pair of brakes being connected by Fig. 4 isa detail of the equalizing levers. brake .rod 40, intermediate lever '41 and brake Referring nowJ to `detailsshown vin the rod 42, while each of the rear pair of brakes drawings, which illustrate one form in which are similarly connected by brake rod 45, in- 8o.

my inventionmay be embodied, Fig. 1 shows termediate levers 46 and brake rod 47 an automobile chassis in dotted lines, includ- The brake mechanisms may be of the usual ing side frame`membe`rs 10, front wheel 11 construction, as shown herein, the rear and rear wheel 12. Carried on the frame is a brakes Comprisingexterior brake 'band 48 on brake pedal 13 which may be of any suitable brake drum 49. The front brake is not shown, -85 form, ixed on a pedal shaft 14. As shown as it forms no part of the present invention, herein, the pedal shaft is journalled on a pair it being understood that it may comprise any of supports 15, 15 Aforming part of the maform ofcbrake with operative connections perchine frame. i mitting the wheels to be steered in the usual 4o The brake pedal 13 has an arm 17 rigid manner.

therewith, herein shown as extending rear- The intermediate\levers 41 and 46 are prowardly and having a link 2O connected there. vided to regulate the ratio of pressure transto by a wedge memb`er 21 working in a seat 22 mitted to the front and rear brakes, perin the usual manner (see Fig. 3). The lower imitting the front wheels to rotate more freelyl 45 end of the link is provided with a yoke 23 emthan the rear wheels when the brakes are 95 bracing anv equalizing bar 24 .and pivotally applied because it is well knownthat the connected at the center thereof by a pin-25. steering action of the front wheels iS more The yoke 23 may be adjusted longitudinally effective when the wheels are lrolling than of the link by the usual threaded connection when rotation is retarded so that the wheels l; including a lock nut 26. vslip or skid in their ontact with the ground. 100

, 'ratio of pressures jection 64 on said plate j til actuated. In the arrangement of the brake rod 40 is connected relatively nearer the fulcrum of the lever 41 than the point of connection of rod 45 or lever 46, thus transmitting more power to the rear wheel brakes than the front wheel brakes, although the tension on the inner rods 40 and 45 is substantially equal. Obviously, the delivered on the front and rear brakes may be varied as desired by changing the lengths of the lever arms.

Referring now more particularly to the features of novelty of my invention by which the tensions on the rods 40 and 45 may be equalized, it will be observed that the shafts 31 and 32 have floating or moving support on the vehicle frame by means of the following devices: One of the shafts 32 has bearing in a sleeve 50 carried on a. shank 51, which is supported for rotation on a substantially vertical axis in one of the frame members 15. The supporting sleeve 50 is close to the ball and socket connection between shafts 31 and 32, as shown in Fig. 2; This construction permits freedom of movement of the outer ends of said shafts in a substantially horizontal plane. These outer ends 31a and 32 are also supported for limited horizontal movement on the frame, devices herein shown being similar for both shafts, so the description of one device will be sufficient for the understanding of both. The outer end 31a of shaft 31, for instance, has bearing in an aperture in the lower portion of a rocking plate 61. The upper portion of this plate is provided with a curved bearing surface 62. having engagement on a flanged bracket 63 secured on the adjacent side frame member 10. A proextends through an aperture 65 in the iianged bracket and is provided with a pin 66 so as to, secure the parts together in case the other supporting devices should fail. The rocking plate is maintained in bearing engagement with flange 63 by suitable means such as a spring 70, which may be suspended from a bracket 71 on the interior of the side frame member 10 and secured tothe shaft 31 by a cotter pin 72 or its equivalent. Under some conditions the spring or its equivalent may be dispensed with, as for instance, in the arrangement of parts illustrated, the brake rods 40 and 45 are usually under constant tension of spring devices of their respective brake mechanisms, tending to render said brakes inoperative unbrake rods shown herein, it will be observed that the rods 40 and 45 are connected to levers 41 and 46 at points above the shaft 31, so that the resultant tension operating through said rods from their respective brake mechanisms as described will tend to maintain the rocking plate 61 in engagement with the flange 63.

The operation of the mechanism above describedwill now be understood. The shafts Accordingly,

the supporting,

horizontally so as the brake rods 40 31 and 32 are free to move to equalize the tension on and 45, while the equalizing bar in turn equalizes the torsion on the shafts 31 and 32, thus roviding a system in which the four brake rods 40, 40, 45 and 45 are equalized with respect to each other.

While I have illustrated and described one particular embodiment of my invention, it will be understood that limited to the exact construction shown and described, but that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a device of the class described, a vehicle frame having front and rear wheels and brake mechanisms therefor, a brake operating lever, apair of shafts extending transversely of the frame and supported thereon for limited horizontal movement independent of each other, an equalizer bar operatively connected between said operating lever and both of said shafts for equalizing torsion thereon, levers on opposite sides of said shafts, and brake rods extending forwardly and rearwardly respectively from said last named levers and operatively connected with the front and rear wheel brake mechanisms.

2. In a device of the class described, a Vehicle frame having front and rear wheels and brake mechanisms therefor, a pair of shafts extending transversely of the frame and movably connected to each other at abuttingends, supporting means permitting independent horizontal swinging movement of said shafts, means at the outer ends of said shafts operatively connected with the front and rear brake mechanisms on adjacent sides of said frame, and actuating means including an equalizer bar operatively connected with said shafts for equalizing the torsion thereof.

3. In a device of the class described, a vehicle frame having front and rear wheels and brake mechanisms therefor, a pair of shafts extending transversely of the frame and movably connected to each other at abutting ends, supporting means at the outer ends of each of said shafts each comprising a plate having horizontal rocking engagement on said frame and in which its respective shaft is journalled, means support-ing said shaft and plate, means on the ends of said shafts operatively connected with th-e front and rear lbrake mechanisms on adjacent sides of said I do not wish to be front and rear wheels and socket connection at abutting ends intermediate the sides of said frame, a pair of levers connected to the adjacent ends of said shafts,` an equalizer bar connected between said levers andsaid actuating lever for equalizing torsion on said shafts, a bracket sup` v'porting one of said shafts intermediate the sides of theframe and'permitting pivotal movement thereof on a vertical axis, supporting means for the outer ends of said shafts permitting limited horizontal movement thereof, and means operativ-ely connecting each of said outer ends with the front and rear brake mechanisms on adjacent sides of said frame.

5. In a device of the character described, a vehicle frame having front and rear wheels and brake mechanisms therefor, a brake operating lever, a pair of shafts extending transversely of said frame and having a ball and socket connection at abutting ends intermediate the sides of said frame, a pair of levers connected to the adjacent ends of said shafts, an equalizer bar connected between said levers and said actuating lever for equal- I izing torsion on said shafts, a bracket supp orting one of said shafts intermediate the. sldes of the frame and permitting .pivotal movement thereof on a vertical axis, supporting means for the outer ends of said shafts permitting limited horizontal movement thereof comprising a pair of plates in which said shafts are journalled, said plates having locking engagement on said frame, and means operatively connecting each of said outer ends with the fro'nt and rear brake mechanisms on adjacent sides Vof said frame.

6. In a device of the class described, a vehicle frame having front and rearl wheels and brake. mechanism therefor, a pair of shafts extending transversely of the frame,

supporting means for said shafts permitting 'independent displacement of the outer ends thereof in direction transverse to their longitudinal axes, a brake operating lever, equalizing means affording operative connection between said brake operating lever and both of said shafts, and levers on the outer ends of said shafts extending in opposite directions ating lever, a pair of shafts extending trans-- therefrom and operatively connected with one pair of front and rear wheel brake mechanisms. Y

7. In a device of the class described, a vehicle fra-me having front and rear wheels and brakemechanisms therefor, a brake operversely of the frame, supporting means for said shaft permitting independent displacement of the outer ends thereof in direction transverse to their longitudinal axes, an equalizer bar operatively c nnected-between said operating lever and kt e innerends of,

said shafts, and levers on the Aouter, ends of said shafts extending in opposite directions therefrom and operatively connected with a shafts extending transversely of the frame,

supporting means permitting independent horizontal swinging movement of said shafts,

means at the outer ends of said shafts oper-A atively connected with the front and rear brake mechanisms on adjacent sides of said frame, vand actuating means including an equalizer bar operatively connected'v with said shafts for equalizing the torsionthereof.-r 9. In a device of the classdescribed, a vehicle frame having front and rear wheels and brake mechanisms therefor, a pair of rshafts extending transversely of the frame, supporting means at the" outer ends of each of said shafts each comprising a` plate having horizontal rocking engagementon said frame and in which its respective shaft is journalled, means supporting said shaft and plate, means on the ends of said shafts operatively connected with the front and rear brake'mechanisms on adjacent sides of said frame, and

actuating means including an equalizer bar 4operativelyconnected with said shafts for equalizing thetorsi'on thereof.

10. In a device of the character described, a vehicleframe having front and rear wheels and brake mechanisms therefor, a brake operating lever, a pair of shafts extending transversely of said frame, a pair of levers connected to the adjacent ends of said shafts, an equalizer bar connected between said levers and said actuating lever for equ'alizing torsion on said shafts, a bracket supporting onev of said shaftsaintermediat'e the sides of the 'frame and permitting pivotal movement thereof on a vertical axis, supporting means for the outer4 ends of said shafts permitting limited horizontalmovement thereof comprising a pair of plates in which said shafts *f are journalled, said plates having locking engagement on said frame, and means operatively connecting each of said outer ends wlth the front and rear brake mechanisms on adjacent sides of said frame.

11. A vehicle having, in' combination, a

chassis frame, brakes, a rock shaft arranged the shoulders yieldingly against the bracket.'

3 12.. In a brake mechanism for a motor vehicle equipped\witli brakes on: the front wheels and onthe rear wheels, a lever for connecting each front wheel braketo the rear and means lfor applyinfr n wheel brake on the corresponding side of the sure to each of said shafts for rotating the same to thereby actuate said brakes.

13. In a brake mechanism for a motor vehicle equipped with brakes on the front wheelsand on the rear wheels, a lever con-Y necting each front wheel brake to the rear wheel brake on the corresponding side of the vehicle, an individual cross shaft carrying each of said levers and supported to swing about a point adjacent the end thereof oppo- ,site said lever, equalizing means connecting said shafts, and means for applying pressure to said equalizing means to actuate said brakes. f j

14. In a brake mechanism for a motor vehicle provided with 4brakes on the front and rear wheels thereof, a double lever connecting each front wheel brake to the rear wheel brake on the corresponding side of the vehicle, each lever being mounted between its ends on an independentl cross shaft freely swingable for limited movement about a point a-dj acent one end thereof, and means .for applying equal rotative pressure on said shafts from a single source to actuate said brakes.

15. In` aA motor vehicle provided with brakes on the front wheels and rear wheels thereof, means for applying said brakes comprising a pair of 'rigid cross shafts one end of eachof which is freely movablelongitudinally of said vehicle, means connecting said freely movable end of each leverto the front wheel brake and rear wheel brake on the corresponding side of said vehicle, and equalizing means connecting sai-d cross shafts and for causing rotation thereof.

16. In a brake mechanism for a motor vehicle provided with brakes on the front wheels and rear wheels thereof, a pair of" cross shafts mounted between said front and rear wheels, each cross shaft being mounted adjacent one end thereof in a bearing allowing said shaft to' swing thereabout and being supported adjacent its opposite end on a swinging link, means operatively connecting one end of each of said shafts with the front wheel brake and rear wheel brake on its respective side of the vehicle, and equalizing` means operatively connecting the opposite ends of said shafts.

17. In a motor vehicle having brakes on all four wheels, two normally substantially axially coincident cross shafts the inner ends of which lie in adjacent relationship and each I of whichV is provided with a lever at its inner end, an equalizer bar connecting said levers, pressure to said bar, each shaft being provided with opposed levers adjacent its outer end,.and means'for connecting said opposedylevers to said brakes,

said brakes comprising a pair of separate cross shafts supported in end-to-end relationship between the front and rear wheels of sai-d vehicle, each of said cross shafts being mounted to swing forwardly and rearwardly about a point adjacent its outer end, means for positively supporting the inner ends of said shafts, levers on the outer ends of sald shafts, means operatively connecting each lever with the front and rear wheel brakes on its respective side of the vehicle, levers on the inner ends of sai-d shafts operatively connected together by an equalizing bar, and a connection from said equalizing bar to a brake operating means.

19. In a brake mechanism, a pair of brakes,

a shaft between the brakes, a bearing supl porting said shaft for axial rotation and plvotal movements and holding the shaft aga1nst all other movements with respect thereto, connections from said shaft to thebra'kes, and

means for rotating the shaft to apply the respect thereto, connections from said shaft to the brakes, means supporting said shaft at another point. and limiting said pivotal movements thereof to directions substantiall ly in line with said connections, and means for rotating the shaft to apply the brakes.

21. In a brake mechanism, a supporting part, a pair of brakes, a shaft between the brakes, a ball and socket joint connecting one end of the shaft to said supporting part whereby said shaft is axially rotatable and pivotally movable, connections from said shaft to the brakes, and means for rotating the shaft to apply the brakes.

22. In a brake mechanism, a supporting part, a pair of brakes, a shaft between the brakes, a ball and socket joint connecting-one end of the shaft lto said supporting part whereby said shaft is axially rotatable and pivotally movable, connections from said shaft to the brakes, means limiting said pivotal movements of the shaft to directions substantially in line with said connections, and means for rotating the shaft to apply the brakes.

J une, 1924.

NILS ERIK WAHLBERG.

Signed at Kenosha, Wis., this '30th day of 

